Portage
Wisconsin

What stands out

Three things set Portage County apart from the other 3,142 counties: high-school completion is in the top 8% of American counties (95%), the uninsured rate is in the bottom 9% of American counties (5.9%), and life expectancy is in the top 10% of American counties (79.8 years). Within Wisconsin it ranks 18th of 72 counties for high-school completion.

Where you are

You live in Portage County, Wisconsin. 70,281 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +292).

Wisconsin has a graduated income tax reaching 7.65%, does not tax Social Security, and exempts some retirement income for residents 65 and over. Property taxes are high, largely for schools and local services, with a state lottery credit offsetting part of the bill. Milwaukee and Madison drive most job growth; the northern half of the state is lakes, forests and second homes.

Money

The typical household here brings in $71,301 a year, higher than 77% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $56,889. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 68% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home.

Wisconsin takes 4.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,175 a year.

Home

The median home costs $321K, pricier than 74% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $896 a month. Property tax is 1.52% of home value, roughly $3,268 a year on that median home, higher than 86% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 85% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 8 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.8 years, longer than 90% of American counties. There are 123 active physicians in the county, about 17.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 5.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.08 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 58% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 4 points. 73% of eligible voters turned out. Under Wisconsin law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 45°F, highs near 56 and lows near 34, colder than 90% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 59 out of 100, riskier than 59% of American counties; the county has had 12 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 221 Mbps down, faster than 60% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 6 breweries, 3 museums.